Topic: New Table Build - Parts - Info Appreciated

[FabMan]

NoOb here, a friend of mine is a recreational foosball player and has commissioned me to build him a table from scratch.  This table will be built form steel and have an industrial look when completed.

Based on the information from my internet searches, I determined that the Tornado 3000 tournament table is a decent competitive table?  I have ordered all the components I could find that are Tornado replacement or upgrade parts and will be starting the build soon.  There are going to be some custom touches (custom machined players), but I want to make the table play like a Tornado when completed.

I'm hoping I can get some input from all of you on the forum since you are avid players, etc. I had my days in the 80's, hahaha.

Anyway, I anticipate I'll be posting often in this thread asking questions on dimensions, materials, quality of components, etc.  I appreciate all of your feedback, (smart azz responses are acceptable as well).

Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome anytime!

[FabMan]

Ok, first question: Anybody know what is the measurement from the bottom of the player toe to the top of the field?

[JimWaterman]

This might this help you....
... "ROD: 3 1/8" up from playing surface O.C."

Per...
...  http://www.foosball.com/tablebuildingguide.html

[FabMan]

Thanks Jim, I also found this;



It looks like a Tornado drawing since it has a 9/16" rod.  That would make clearance of  3/8" I guess?

[kgstewar]

It looks like a Tornado drawing since it has a 9/16" rod.  That would make clearance of  3/8" I guess?

Tornado coin-op rods are 5/8".

[FabMan]

Everything I've seen for the Tornado Tournament 3000 tables specifies 9/16" hollow rods?

[kgstewar]

Everything I've seen for the Tornado Tournament 3000 tables specifies 9/16" hollow rods?

Interesting. Can you post one of the links that shows that specification? This seems to come up frequently.

[FabMan]

I purchased my build parts through Thompsons, and the rep I spoke to told me that all Tornado's have 9/16" hollow rods. She mentioned there is, or was, a difference in length between commercial and consumer tables. 

Heck, I don't know, I've seen parts advertised as OEM Tornado with 5/8" holes for the men and handles.

[FabMan]

Everything I've seen for the Tornado Tournament 3000 tables specifies 9/16" hollow rods?

Interesting. Can you post one of the links that shows that specification? This seems to come up frequently.

Found this on a parts site;

"Tornado foosball tables use special and unique parts. These tables use 9/16" rods that require the use of original Tornado bearings, men, bumpers and other replacement parts to work correctly."

http://www.foosballtablesdirect.com/tornado-foosball-parts-accessories.html

[kgstewar]

Thanks for the info, that must be where people get the 9/16" number.

[FabMan]

Anybody know the exact rod centers on a Tornado T-3000? I've seen anywhere from 6" to 5.875"

[kgstewar]

Anybody know the exact rod centers on a Tornado T-3000? I've seen anywhere from 6" to 5.875"

Like to help you out but my table is a T-2000. i suspect the dimensions are the same as the T-3000 but I'm not certain.

[FabMan]

Well, based upon the actual Tornado field size of 47 1/16" and 27 1/16" and 9/16" rods, it comes out to 5.875 rod centers. Not much room for error.  Since we're fabricating the men, I think I'll go with the 6" centers to give me a little leeway.

My field came in and it's 47 1/2" x 28" x 3/8".  I glued it to some 5/8" MDF and used cauls, clamps and weights to keep it level. I clamped it to my welding table which is very flat.

Think I'm going to add 1/2" to the length by adding 3/16" angle at the edges and I'll cut down the width to 26 9/16 - 27".

[kgstewar]

Looks like a very cool project, thanks for posting photos and keep us updated.

What brand of rods did you decide to go with?

[FabMan]

Thanks! I'll update pics as I go. 

He decided to go with the 9/16" hollow Tornado rods and the split, thin walled bearings.